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What is the Denver Nuggets Plan?

By Steven Leight

Jan 30, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) is guarded by Denver Nuggets forward Emmanuel Mudiay (0) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Denver 109-105 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) is guarded by Denver Nuggets forward Emmanuel Mudiay (0) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Denver 109-105 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 13, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles the ball against Denver Nuggets forward Will Barton (5) in the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Warriors 112-110. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 13, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles the ball against Denver Nuggets forward Will Barton (5) in the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Warriors 112-110. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

The FA Miracle

Now there’s no way Steph Curry will leave the Warriors and the Bucks will match any offer on restricted free agent Giannis Antetokoumpo; however, all indications are that stars will be on the move. This is the time for the Nuggets to strike. They will be in a position to shake up their roster dramatically and swing for the fences in hopes of building a roster that can compete with the San Antonio Spurs and the Gold State Warriors. Armed with an abundance of cap room, the Nuggets should be aggressive in finding the right star to focus around.

Enter Paul George. He will be in the last guaranteed year of his contract in 2017-2018, and will certainly be opting out of his player option for the following season to cash in on the new deal. Indiana, amid many management and personnel changes, could be willing to sell high on George if no guarantee of an extension is given to them.

Landing a top 10 player in the league would bring the Nuggets back to relevance immediately. With their superstar in place, they could use their appealing array of cap room and assets to entice another star player.

If a young player like Emmanuel Mudiay and/or Gary Harris is surrendered for George, the Nuggets could seek to sign Russell Westbrook or Chris Paul, as his playmaking ability would undoubtably pair well with Gary Harris’s outside shooting. At Power Forward, names such as Serge Ibaka and Paul Millsap would both fit well in Denver, as they have the necessary floor spacing, athleticism, and defensive prowess to work with Nikola Jokic or Jusuf Nurkic.

Jan 18, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) and forward Serge Ibaka (9) against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Orlando Magic 127-99. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) and forward Serge Ibaka (9) against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Orlando Magic 127-99. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

It would take a leap of faith from all players, and is undoubtably far fetched, but this is the type of situation Nuggets management has placed itself in to maximize their roster flexibility. The upside is highly intriguing with this group.

Next: The Super Team?

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